If you’ve ever visited one of Michigan’s Great Lakes during the wintertime, perhaps you’ve experienced some of the stunning views that accompany our beaches during the colder months. Maybe you’ve waded through snow on the shorelines or taken photos of frozen lighthouses. But one trip to Lake Michigan this winter will give you front-row access to a completely unique icy phenomenon.
The west coast of our state houses some of Michigan’s most beloved beach towns, with beautiful piers and sweeping views of the water from throughout each community.
During the summertime, tourists and locals alike are charmed by the sights and sounds of West Michigan’s one-of-a-kind beaches. They offer unparalleled charm and wonder to hundreds of beachgoers each year.
But come winter, the waters of Lake Michigan are completely transformed in a display of icy magic that is just as stunning as it is fascinating. You’ve never seen anything quite like this before.
Venture out to the piers of Grand Haven or St. Joseph on a particularly cold winter day — then look down. You’ll see hundreds of bobbing bits of ice that seem perfectly crafted into rings, balls, and other shapes.
This phenomenon is known as “pancake ice.” When temperatures drop, these round bits of ice are formed and can reach thicknesses of nearly four inches.
As these circular pieces of ice float and collide in the water, you might notice that their edges are slightly upturned. This is a key identifying feature of pancake ice.
If you didn’t know any better, you might insist that you’d been transported to some sort of icy alien landscape on a planet far away. But you don’t have to leave your own community to experience these awesome formations.
Here in the Great Lakes State, the formation of pancake ice offers Michiganders and out-of-town visitors a rare chance to marvel at a strange and wonderful natural phenomenon. Of course, you should always use caution when exploring Michigan’s nature — especially when there’s slippery ice involved.
So, the next time you’re seeking a brilliant outdoor adventure, venture to the west coast of the Great Lakes State. Be sure to bundle up — and prepare yourself for an utterly fascinating performance by our beloved Lake Michigan.
Have you experienced pancake ice elsewhere in the state of Michigan? We would love to see your photos in the comment section below. Or, to see a recent video of the ice in Grand Haven, click here.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Get the latest updates and news
Thank you for subscribing!
